Azaindole grafted titanium dioxide for the photodegradation of pharmaceuticals under solar irradiation.

The application of metal-free organic molecules grafted titanium dioxide (TiO2) as photocatalysts for the degradation of pharmaceuticals under solar light has been scarcely studied. Herein, a novel photocatalyst was synthesized anchoring a bipolar electron-donor and -acceptor molecule based on azaindole derivative (AZA4) onto TiO2 aiming to improve the photoactivity under simulated solar irradiation. The TiO2-azaindole (TiO2-AZA4) was fully characterized, confirming that AZA4 was successfully grafted onto TiO2 and improving the light absorption. The grafted TiO2 was applied in the photodegradation of acetaminophen in water, showing a significantly better photocatalytic performance compared to that of pure TiO2 under both solar and visible irradiations. AZA4 grafting leads to the TiO2 band gap narrowing and favors the charge separation, thus improving the TiO2 photoactivity. The photocatalytic performance of TiO2-AZA4 was evaluated using different conditions such as photocatalyst dose or initial pH of the solution, and the radical species involved in the process were investigated. The high activity of TiO2-AZA4 was confirmed in the photodegradation of a mixture of pharmaceuticals, namely acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and antipyrine, further demonstrating its stability and catalytic performance in a novel continuous flow test under simulated solar irradiation, thus finding a new strategy to design solar-light driven photocatalysts for the degradation of pollutants in water.

Psychosis in Parkinson's Disease: Looking Beyond Dopaminergic Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. The symptoms of PD are characterized not only by motor alterations but also by a spectrum of nonmotor symptoms. Some of these are psychiatric manifestations such as sleep disorders; depression; cognitive difficulties that can evolve into dementia; and symptoms of psychosis, which include hallucinations, illusions, and delusions. Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) occurs in 18-50% of patients with PD. Treating PDP is challenging because antipsychotic drugs tend to be inefficient or may even worsen the disease's motor symptoms. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in PDP and recent innovative alternatives for its treatment. METHODS: This is a narrative review in which an extensive literature search was performed on the Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from inception to August 2021. The terms "Parkinson's disease psychosis", "Parkinson psychosis," "neurodegenerative psychosis", and "dopamine psychosis" were among the keywords used in the search. RESULTS: Recently, views on the etiology of hallucinations and illusions have evolved remarkably. PDP has been cemented as a multifactorial entity dependent on extrinsic and novel intrinsic mechanisms, including genetic factors, neurostructural alterations, functional disruptions, visual processing disturbances, and sleep disorders. Consequently, innovative pharmacological and biological treatments have been proposed. Pimavanserin, a selective 5-HT2A inverse agonist, stands out after its approval to treat PDP-associated hallucinations and illusions. CONCLUSION: Future results from upcoming clinical trials should further characterize the role of this drug in the management of PDP as well as other treatment options with novel mechanisms of action, such as saracatinib, SEP-363856, cannabidiol, electroconvulsive therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Linoleic acid-derived oxylipins and isoprostanes plasma levels are influenced by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D levels in middle-aged sedentary adults: The FIT-AGEING study.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D - concretely its active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) - maintains several physiological processes. Oxylipins are oxidized lipids derived from ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in inflammation. Little is known about the association of 1,25(OH)2D with inflammatory parameters in middle-aged populations - who could be at risk of vitamin D deficiency -. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels with circulating white blood cells, platelets counts and oxylipins levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 (53 % women) middle-aged (40-65 years old) adults were recruited for this cross-sectional study. 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels were measured using an immunochemiluminometric assay. White blood cells and platelets were analyzed by hemocytometry. ω-6 and ω-3 oxylipins plasma levels were measured using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry. Simple and multiple linear regression models, and Pearson correlation analyses, were performed to study the association of 1,25(OH)2D levels with WBC and platelets counts, and oxylipins, respectively. RESULTS: 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels were positively related with linoleic acid-derived oxylipins and isoprostanes plasma levels, whereas an inverse relationship with dihomo-γ-linolenic acid/linoleic acid and arachidonic acid/linoleic acid ratios was unveiled. No significant associations were observed for circulating ω-3 oxylipins, white blood cells levels or platelets count. CONCLUSIONS: Linoleic acid-derived oxylipins and isoprostanes plasma levels may be influenced by 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the impact of other vitamin D forms upon circulating oxylipins levels.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review Exploring Neuroendocrine-Immune Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is based on conducting an electrical current through the brain to stimulate it and trigger generalized convulsion activity with therapeutic ends. Due to the efficient use of ECT during the last years, interest in the molecular bases involved in its mechanism of action has increased. Therefore, different hypotheses have emerged. In this context, the goal of this review is to describe the neurobiological, endocrine, and immune mechanisms involved in ECT and to detail its clinical efficacy in different psychiatric pathologies. This is a narrative review in which an extensive literature search was performed on the Scopus, Embase, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from inception to February 2022. The terms "electroconvulsive therapy", "neurobiological effects of electroconvulsive therapy", "molecular mechanisms in electroconvulsive therapy", and "psychiatric disorders" were among the keywords used in the search. The mechanisms of action of ECT include neurobiological function modifications and endocrine and immune changes that take place after ECT. Among these, the decrease in neural network hyperconnectivity, neuroinflammation reduction, neurogenesis promotion, modulation of different monoaminergic systems, and hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal and hypothalamus-hypophysis-thyroid axes normalization have been described. The majority of these elements are physiopathological components and therapeutic targets in different mental illnesses. Likewise, the use of ECT has recently expanded, with evidence of its use for other pathologies, such as Parkinson's disease psychosis, malignant neuroleptic syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In conclusion, there is sufficient evidence to support the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of different psychiatric disorders, potentially through immune, endocrine, and neurobiological systems.

Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunological Basis of the Placebo Effect: Potential Applications beyond Pain Therapy.

The placebo effect can be defined as the improvement of symptoms in a patient after the administration of an innocuous substance in a context that induces expectations regarding its effects. During recent years, it has been discovered that the placebo response not only has neurobiological functions on analgesia, but that it is also capable of generating effects on the immune and endocrine systems. The possible integration of changes in different systems of the organism could favor the well-being of the individuals and go hand in hand with conventional treatment for multiple diseases. In this sense, classic conditioning and setting expectations stand out as psychological mechanisms implicated in the placebo effect. Recent advances in neuroimaging studies suggest a relationship between the placebo response and the opioid, cannabinoid, and monoaminergic systems. Likewise, a possible immune response conditioned by the placebo effect has been reported. There is evidence of immune suppression conditioned through the insular cortex and the amygdala, with noradrenalin as the responsible neurotransmitter. Finally, a conditioned response in the secretion of different hormones has been determined in different studies; however, the molecular mechanisms involved are not entirely known. Beyond studies about its mechanism of action, the placebo effect has proved to be useful in the clinical setting with promising results in the management of neurological, psychiatric, and immunologic disorders. However, more research is needed to better characterize its potential use. This review integrates current knowledge about the psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune basis of the placebo effect and its possible clinical applications.

Consenso colombiano de expertos sobre recomendaciones basadas en evidencias para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de la enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal

Contexto: la enfermedad de Fabry se comporta como una enfermedad crónica con compromiso multisistémico y alto costo en salud. Objetivo: generar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de la enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal mediante un consenso de expertos. Metodología: a partir de la búsqueda de evidencia en Pubmed, Embase y Google Scholar entre 2010 y agosto 2020, se formulan recomendaciones sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Fabry en población adulta, las cuales se consultan a un panel de expertos a través de la metodología de consenso Delphi modificado. La calidad de los documentos se evaluó por equipo metodológico aplicando herramientas en función del tipo de documento incluido. Resultados: se formularon 53 recomendaciones sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Un panel de cinco expertos clínicos nacionales e internacionales externos al grupo desarrollador participaron en la consulta preconsenso y 50 recomendaciones fueron acordadas para su inclusión, para tres de ellas se requirió una sesión formal de consenso que se dio en una ronda, incorporando tres nuevas recomendaciones. Conclusiones: las recomendaciones basadas en evidencia y experticia clínica permitirán orientar de manera estandarizada a nivel nacional y regional, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de pacientes con sospecha o enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal.

Background: Fabry disease behaves like a chronic condition, with multisystem involvement and high health care costs. Objective: To generate evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of the Anderson-Fabry disease with renal commitment, through an expert consensus. Methodology: Based on the search of evidence in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar between 2010 and August, 2020, recommendations on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of Fabry Disease in adult population were formulated after consulting with an expert panel through the modified Delphi consensus methodology. The quality of the documents was assessed by methodological team applying tools according to the type of document included. Results: 53 recommendations for the definition, diagnosis and treatment were formulated. A panel of five national and international clinical experts external to the developer group participated in the pre-consensus consultation and 50 recommendations were agreed upon for their inclusion. For 3 recommendations, a formal consensus session which took place in one round was required, and 3 new recommendations were incorporated. Conclusions: The recommendations based on evidence and clinical expertise will allow us to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Fabry disease with renal involvement or suspicion thereof in a standardized manner at national and regional levels.

Didática de professores e habilidades cognoscitivas de crianças no início de idade escolar / Didáctica de maestros y habilidades cognoscitivas de niños en inicio de edad escolar / Teacher didactics and children's cognitive skills in early school age

RESUMEN El estudio analizó el vínculo entre la didáctica de maestros y las habilidades cognoscitivas de atención, memoria, velocidad y fluidez verbal en estudiantes de primeros grados de un colegio público en Cúcuta-Colombia. Se propuso un diseño exploratorio concurrente con análisis cualitativo y recolección de datos de fuente mixta, con muestreo intencional de 22 estudiantes y 4 maestras. Se evaluaron habilidades cognoscitivas mediante pruebas neuropsicológicas estandarizadas para Colombia y la didáctica fue explorada mediante entrevista semiestructurada siguiendo categorías de enseñanza, aprendizaje y técnicas. Las habilidades cognoscitivas se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y las entrevistas por análisis de triangulación categorial, concluyendo en los niños sobresaliente memoria-velocidad y disminuida atención y fluidez verbal, hallazgos sobresalientes vinculados a didácticas basadas en uso de fichas de aprendizaje, repetición, mecanización, mientras que los resultados inferiores se asociaron al uso de video y pasatiempos.

RESUMO O estudo analisou a relação entre a didática de professores e as habilidades cognoscitivas de atenção, memória, velocidade e fluidez verbal em estudantes de primeiros anos de uma escola pública em Cúcuta - Colômbia. Utilizou-se um roteiro exploratório junto com análises qualitativa e levantamento de dados de fonte mista, com amostra intencional de 22 estudantes e 4 professores. Avaliaram-se habilidades cognoscitivas mediante testes neuropsicológicos normatizados para Colômbia e a didática foi explorada mediante entrevista semiestruturada seguindo categorias de ensino, aprendizagem e técnicas. As habilidades cognoscitivas foram analisadas mediante estatística descritiva e as entrevistas por análise de triangulação categorial, concluindo-se nas crianças importantes memória-velocidade e diminuída atenção e fluidez verbal, achados marcantes vinculados a didáticas baseadas no uso de fichas de aprendizagem, repetição, mecanização, enquanto os resultados inferiores foram associados ao uso de vídeo e passatempos.

ABSTRACT The study analyzed the relationship between teacher didactics and cognitive skills of attention, memory, speed and verbal fluidity in first-year students of a public school in Cúcuta-Colombia. An exploratory script was used, together with qualitative analysis and mixed-source data collection, with an intentional sample of 22 students and 4 teachers. Cognitive abilities were evaluated through neuropsychological tests standardized for Colombia, and didactics were explored through semi-structured interviews following categories of teaching, learning and techniques. Cognitive skills were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interviews by categorical triangulation analysis, concluding in important children memory-speed and reduced attention and verbal fluidity, remarkable findings linked to didactics based on the use of learning sheets, repetition, mechanization, while lower results were associated with the use of video and hobbies.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Regulate K+ Channel Activity in Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) interaction negatively regulates T cell function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Overexpression of PD-1 reduces intracellular Ca2+ fluxes, and thereby T cell effector functions. In HNSCC patients, PD-1 blockade increases KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 activity along with Ca2+ signaling and mobility in CD8+ peripheral blood T cells (PBTs). The mechanism by which PD-L1/PD-1 interaction regulates ion channel function is not known. We investigated the effects of blocking PD-1 and PD-L1 on ion channel functions and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in CD8+ PBTs of HNSCC patients and healthy donors (HDs) using single-cell electrophysiology and live microscopy. Anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies increase KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 function in CD8+ PBTs of HNSCC patients. Anti-PD-1 treatment increases Ca2+ fluxes in a subset of HSNCC patients. In CD8+ PBTs of HDs, exposure to PD-L1 reduces KCa3.1 activity and Ca2+ signaling, which were restored by anti-PD-1 treatment. The PD-L1-induced inhibition of KCa3.1 channels was rescued by the intracellular application of the PI3 kinase modulator phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) in patch-clamp experiments. In HNSCC CD8+ PBTs, anti-PD-1 treatment did not affect the expression of KCa3.1, Kv1.3, Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, and markers of cell activation (CD69) and exhaustion (LAG-3 and TIM-3). Our data show that immune checkpoint blockade improves T cell function by increasing KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 channel activity in HNSCC patients.

Trastornos del sueño a consecuencia de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Sleep disorders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN Las complicaciones respiratorias por la COVID-19 pueden llevar a la muerte, por lo que, dentro de las políticas de protección para evitar los contagios masivos, se han sugerido estrategias de cuarentena y confinamiento en muchos países, que han originado alteraciones en la salud mental y el sueño. A través de la siguiente revisión narrativa se pretende sistematizar los hallazgos más significativos en cuanto a la presencia de insomnio en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, y de personas sanas que han estado sometidas a confinamiento como medida preventiva. Las condiciones propias de la enfermedad han hecho que los pacientes desarrollen insomnio, lo que puede empeorar su estado de salud y alterar su sistema inmunológico. Para las personas sanas en cuarentena los cambios en el estilo de vida, el miedo a contraer la enfermedad, la edad joven, el sexo femenino, los antecedentes de enfermedades mentales y una menor capacidad de afrontamiento al estrés parecen ser factores de riesgo para el insomnio. Al igual que la implementación de medidas epidemiológicas de cuidado y prevención contra el COVID-19, se debe tener en consideración promover la higiene del sueño como una estrategia de afrontamiento integral contra esta pandemia.

ABSTRACT Respiratory complications from COVID-19 can lead to death. For this reason, public health measures to curb the spread of the disease such as quarantine and other confinement strategies have been proposed in several countries, resulting in mental health and sleep disorders. We carried out a narrative review to systematize the most significant findings regarding insomnia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and in healthy persons who have been under confinement as a preventive measure. COVID-19-related conditions have caused insomnia in patients, which can alter the immune system and have a negative effect on health. For healthy people in quarantine, lifestyle changes, fear of becoming infected, young age, female gender, history of mental illness and reduced ability to cope with stress appear to be risk factors for insomnia. As well as the implementation of epidemiological and preventive measures, sleep hygiene should be promoted as a comprehensive coping strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Sleep disorders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Trastornos del sueño a consecuencia de la pandemia por COVID-19.

Respiratory complications from COVID-19 can lead to death. For this reason, public health measures to curb the spread of the disease such as quarantine and other confinement strategies have been proposed in several countries, resulting in mental health and sleep disorders. We carried out a narrative review to systematize the most significant findings regarding insomnia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and in healthy persons who have been under confinement as a preventive measure. COVID-19-related conditions have caused insomnia in patients, which can alter the immune system and have a negative effect on health. For healthy people in quarantine, lifestyle changes, fear of becoming infected, young age, female gender, history of mental illness and reduced ability to cope with stress appear to be risk factors for insomnia. As well as the implementation of epidemiological and preventive measures, sleep hygiene should be promoted as a comprehensive coping strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Las complicaciones respiratorias por la COVID-19 pueden llevar a la muerte, por lo que, dentro de las políticas de protección para evitar los contagios masivos, se han sugerido estrategias de cuarentena y confinamiento en muchos países, que han originado alteraciones en la salud mental y el sueño. A través de la siguiente revisión narrativa se pretende sistematizar los hallazgos más significativos en cuanto a la presencia de insomnio en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, y de personas sanas que han estado sometidas a confinamiento como medida preventiva. Las condiciones propias de la enfermedad han hecho que los pacientes desarrollen insomnio, lo que puede empeorar su estado de salud y alterar su sistema inmunológico. Para las personas sanas en cuarentena los cambios en el estilo de vida, el miedo a contraer la enfermedad, la edad joven, el sexo femenino, los antecedentes de enfermedades mentales y una menor capacidad de afrontamiento al estrés parecen ser factores de riesgo para el insomnio. Al igual que la implementación de medidas epidemiológicas de cuidado y prevención contra el COVID-19, se debe tener en consideración promover la higiene del sueño como una estrategia de afrontamiento integral contra esta pandemia.

Acompanhamento psicológico e permanência em estudantes universitários / Acompañamiento psicológico y permanencia en estudiantes universitarios / Psychological accompaniment and permanence in university students

El estudio tiene como objetivo establecer la relación entre el acompañamiento psicológico y la permanencia estudiantil, mediante el análisis de las variables individuales, académicas y sociodemográficas. El estudio siguió un diseño Ex post-facto, de tipo descriptivo correlacional con un muestreo censal de 520 estudiantes quienes han asistido a acompañamiento psicológico de manera voluntaria. La información fue obtenida mediante un cuestionario que explora características sociodemográficas, académicas y específicas de seguimiento psicológico. Se realizaron análisis comparativos y correlaciónales encontrando una relación positiva entre la permanencia y el acompañamiento psicológico breve ante crisis situacionales. Adicionalmente, se concluyó que la permanencia estudiantil se relaciona con la edad, el género, el semestre, el promedio, el motivo de consulta y el método terapéutico desarrollado en el proceso de acompañamiento psicológico. Se discutieron los resultados a la luz de antecedentes que han explicado los fenómenos de la permanencia y la deserción en contexto escolares.

O estudo tem como objetivo estabelecer a relação entre o acompanhamento psicológico e a permanência estudantil, mediante a análise das variáveis individuais, acadêmicas e sóciodemográficas. O estudo seguiu um modelo Ex post-facto, de tipo descritivo com uma amostra de censo de 520 estudantes os quais se submeteram a acompanhamento psicológico de maneira voluntária. A informação foi obtida mediante um questionário que explora características sóciodemográficas, acadêmicas e específicas de seguimento psicológico. Realizaram-se análises comparativas e correlacionais encontrando uma relação positiva entre a permanência e o acompanhamento psicológico breve ante crises situacionais. Adicionalmente, concluiu-se que a permanência estudantil se relaciona com a idade, o gênero, o semestre, a média, o motivo de consulta e o método terapêutico desenvolvido no processo de acompanhamento psicológico. Discutiram-se os resultados à luz de antecedentes que explicam os fenômenos da permanência e a deserção em contextos escolares.

The study aims to establish the relationship between psychological support and university permanence, through the analysis of individual, academic and sociodemographic variables. The study followed an ex post-facto, descriptive correlational design with a census sampling of 520 students who have voluntarily attended psychological support. The information was obtained through a questionnaire that explores sociodemographic, academic and specific characteristics of psychological follow-up. Comparative and correlational analyzes were performed finding a positive relationship between permanence and brief psychological accompaniment in the face of situational crises. Additionally, it was concluded that university permanence is related to age, gender, semester, average, the reason for consultation and the therapeutic method developed in the psychological accompaniment process. The results were discussed in the light of background that have explained the phenomena of permanence and dropout in school context.

Sulfasalazine as an Immunomodulator of the Inflammatory Process during HIV-1 Infection.

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 induces an uncontrolled inflammatory response of several immune components, such as inflammasomes. These molecular complexes, associated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) activity, induce the maturation and release of IL-1ß and IL-18 and eventually induce pyroptosis. It has been previously demonstrated that HIV induces inflammasome activation, which is significantly lower in the gastrointestinal tissue and blood from people living with HIV-1 with spontaneous control of viral replication. Therefore, immunomodulatory agents could be useful in improving HIV prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of sulfasalazine (SSZ) on inflammasomes and TLRs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from people living with HIV and healthy donors. METHODS: PBMCs were obtained from 15 people living with HIV and 15 healthy donors. Cells were stimulated with agonists of TLRs and inflammasomes and subsequently treated with SSZ. The concentration of IL-1ß and the relative expression of NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, AIM2, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 were quantified. RESULTS: Cells treated with SSZ exhibited a decreased IL-1ß production after inflammasome and TLR stimulation, as well as regulation of inflammasome-related genes, in both people with HIV and healthy individuals. The concentration of IL-1ß was positively correlated with the CD4+ T-cell count and negatively with the viral load. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SSZ has an immunomodulatory effect on inflammasome and TLR activation that depends on the clinical HIV status.

Effect of Activating Agent on the Properties of TiO2/Activated Carbon Heterostructures for Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of Acetaminophen.

Several activated carbons (ACs) were prepared by chemical activation of lignin with different activating agents (FeCl3, ZnCl2, H3PO4 and KOH) and used for synthesizing TiO2/activated carbon heterostructures. These heterostructures were obtained by the combination of the activated carbons with a titania precursor using a solvothermal treatment. The synthesized materials were fully characterized (Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS) and further used in the photodegradation of a target pharmaceutical compound (acetaminophen). All heterostructures were composed of anatase phase regardless of the activated carbon used, while the porous texture and surface chemistry depended on the chemical compound used to activate the lignin. Among all heterostructures studied, that obtained by FeCl3-activation yielded complete conversion of acetaminophen after 6 h of reaction under solar-simulated irradiation, also showing high conversion after successive cycles. Although the reaction rate was lower than the observed with bare TiO2, the heterostructure showed higher settling velocity, thus being considerably easier to recover from the reaction medium.

Measuring nutritional knowledge using Item Response Theory and its validity in European adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the Nutritional Knowledge Test (NKT) using Item Response Theory (ITR) analysis and to assess the construct validity of the Nutritional Knowledge Scale (NKTS) and its associations with adolescent food group consumption and nutritional biomarkers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Multicentre investigation conducted in ten European cities.ParticipantsAdolescents aged 12·5-17·5 years (n 3215) who completed over 75 % of the NKT. RESULTS: Factor analysis indicated that the NKT can be analysed with a one-dimensional model. Eleven out of twenty-three items from the NKT presented adequate parameters and were selected to be included in the NKTS. Nutrition knowledge was positively associated with consumption of fruits, cereals, dairy products, pulses, meat and eggs, and fish, as well as with blood concentrations of vitamin C, ß-carotene, n-3 fatty acids, holo-transcobalamin, cobalamin and folate; nutrition knowledge was negatively associated with intake of olives and avocado, alcohol and savoury snacks. CONCLUSIONS: The NKTS assessed nutritional knowledge adequately and it is proposed as a new tool to investigate this subject in future studies.

Cuerpo extraño escondido en la boquilla de un inhalador de cartucho presurizado / Foreign Body Concealed Inside the Mouthpiece of a Metered Dose Inhaler

No disponible

Cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome components: a cross-sectional study from Maracaibo City, Venezuela.

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that cigarette smoking can cause the onset of metabolic syndrome prior to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking habit and metabolic syndrome components in an adult population from Maracaibo city, Venezuela. Methods: The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multi-stage sampling. In this sub-study, 2212 adults from both genders were selected. On the basis of their medical background, they were classified as smokers, non-smokers and former smokers. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to Harmonizing 2009 criteria, using population-specific abdominal circumference cut-off points. The association between risk factors was evaluated using a logistic regression model. Results: In the studied population, 14.8% were smokers, 15.4% were former smokers. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of metabolic syndrome (smokers: OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.14; p=0.010) and its components were related to cigarette smoking, with the exception of hyperglycemia. High blood pressure was inversely associated with current smoking status (smokers: OR, 0.70 (0.51-0.95); p=0.025). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking represents a related factor with metabolic syndrome, being associated with low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, increased abdominal circumference and elevated triacylglyceride levels. Former smokers did not present a greater risk for developing this metabolic disease when compared to non-smokers. The effect of avoiding this habit should be evaluated in future studies in our population.

Perfil neuropsicológico en un paciente con esquizofrenia / Neuropsychological profile in a patient with schizophrenia

La investigación describe el perfil neuropsicológico de un paciente con esquizofrenia en Cúcuta, Colombia. Se utilizó un diseño de investigación tipo ensayo clínico con fin diagnóstico y alcance descriptivo basado en un paciente de 52 años diagnosticado con esquizofrenia paranoide desde los 17 años, quien actualmente es tratado con antipsicótico atípico (risperidona 4,5 mg/día) y antidepresivo tricíclico (clorimipramina 300 mg/día). Se evaluó mediante un protocolo neuropsicológico conformado por Evaluación Cognitiva Montreal (MOCA, del acrónimo en inglés Montreal Cognitive Assessment), Test del Trazo (Trail Making, en inglés) A y B, subpruebas del Test Barcelona, curva de aprendizaje del Test Verbal de California, Figura Compleja de Rey­Osterrieth, y subpruebas de WAIS III, cuyas respuestas generaron indicadores globales asociados con deterioro cognitivo leve, compromiso de la capacidad de atención alternante, memoria de trabajo, conversión acústico-fonológica y memoria declarativa de largo plazo, al igual que sus funciones ejecutivas.

This research aims to describe the neuropsychological profile in a patient with schizophrenia in the city of Cucuta, Colombia. A clinical trial type research design with a diagnostic purpose and descriptive scope was used in a patient aged 52 diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia since age 17, currently being treated with atypical antipsychotic (Risperidone 4.5 mg/day) and tricyclic antidepressants (Clomipramine 300 mg/day). A neuropsychological protocol consisting of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Trail Making Test A and B, subtest of Barcelona Test, learning curve of the California Verbal Learning ​​Test, Rey­Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and WAIS III subtests, recorded global indicators associated with mild cognitive impairment, commitment in the capacity of alternating attention, working memory, acoustic-phonemic conversion, and long-term declarative memory, as well as his executive functions.

Percepción de autoeficacia vs. rechazo del uso del condón en las prácticas sexuales de mujeres y hombres jóvenes / Self-efficacy perception vs. rejection of condom use in the sexual practices of young women and men

Resumen En las relaciones sexuales de jóvenes, las variables asociadas al uso del condón son diversas y comúnmente se presentan con otras variables que, a su vez, se asocian con la práctica sexual desprotegida. Los objetivos de este estudio consistieron en determinar en qué medida la percepción de autoeficacia, la baja percepción de riesgo y el rechazo del uso del condón se relacionan con el uso del condón en las relaciones sexuales de jóvenes colombianos. Participaron en él 308 estu diantes universitarios de la ciudad de Cúcuta, Colombia. Los resultados indican correlaciones significativas en hombres entre el uso del condón y la percepción de autoeficacia, y correlaciones negativas en mujeres entre el uso del condón, la baja percepción de riesgo y el rechazo del uso del condón. Solo en el grupo de hombres, la percepción de autoeficacia predice el uso del condón.

Abstract In the sexual relations of the youth, the variables associated with condom use are diverse and are often presented with other variables, that are also associated with unprotected sexual practice. This study aimed to determine to what extent the perception of self-efficacy, low risk perception and condom use shunning are associated with condom use in sexual relations of young Colom bians. 308 university students in the city of Cúcuta, Colombia, participated in the study. The results indicate significant correlations in men between condom use and self-efficacy perception and negative correlations in women between condom use, low risk perception and condom use shunning. Only in the male groups, the perception of self-efficacy predicts condom use.

La función reguladora del lenguaje, intervención en un caso de trastorno por atención deficitaria / The regulatory role of language in an attention deficit disorder case

Desde la perspectiva histórico-cultural, el trastorno por déficit de atención (TDA) se asocia con la inmadurez del factor de programación y control, que involucra el funcionamiento de regiones frontales del cerebro y hace parte del sistema ejecutivo. El artículo aborda un estudio de caso clínico en el que se exploró el impacto sistémico de un programa de intervención breve basado en el análisis del factor neuropsicológico, para comprobar su efectividad y eficiencia en el manejo sintomatológico del (TDA) y para proponer nuevos estudios controlados y aleatorizados que eventualmente validen esta metodología. Para lograrlo, se describieron los alcances del programa de corrección neuropsicológica orientada al fortalecimiento del factor de regulación y control mediante el desarrollo de la función reguladora del lenguaje, para incrementar las capacidades de planeación, control de espera, de autoverificación y la atención voluntaria. La intervención se basó en un diseño de línea de base múltiple tipo A-B-A, cuyos resultados se analizaron a partir de los puntajes de pruebas normalizadas y del análisis cualitativo de sus ejecuciones, realizadas al inicio del estudio y seis meses después. El caso analizado mostró un fortalecimiento de la función reguladora del lenguaje que impactó el desarrollo de los procesos psicológicos ejecutivos y se tradujo en un incremento del control atencional voluntario, la regulación de espera y la capacidad de planeación. Se concluye que el resultado de este caso ubica a este método como alternativa de manejo del (TDA) susceptible de ser estudiada en mayores grupos poblacionales controlados para validar el resultado, y eventualmente ofrecer un manejo extrapolable a la población diagnosticada.

From a cultural-historical perspective, attention deficit disorder (ADD) is associated with immaturity factor programming and control, which involves the functioning of the brain's frontal region and makes part of the executive system. This paper presents a clinical case study in which the systemic impact of a brief intervention program was explored; such intervention was based on the neuropsychological factor analysis, in order to prove its effectiveness and efficacy at ADD's management of symptoms as well as to propose new controlled and random studies to eventually validate this methodology. To achieve this, we described the scope of the program oriented neuropsychological correction factor strengthening the regulation and control, by developing the regulatory function of language, in order to improve planning, control of waiting, self-check and voluntary attention. Intervention was supported on an A-B-A multiple base line design, whose results were analyzed from the scores of standardized tests and the qualitative analysis of its performances at the beginning and six months after. The case analyzed showed a strengthening in the regulatory function of language, which affected the development of the executive psychological processes and showed an increase in the voluntary attentional control, regulation of waiting and planning ability. In conclusion, the result of this case places this method as an alternative to manage ADD, susceptible to be studied in larger controlled groups in order to validate the result and eventually offering an extrapolated management to a population diagnosed.